Sunday, May 17, 2009
Ahhh, another Opening Day
Opening Day 09 started like so many others... cloudy. The sun soon burst through the clouds, though, no doubt due to Peter Michaelson's heavy lobbying efforts with the christian god. This first image is of Moxy against the lifting fog.
Getting ready for the opening day salute, Pawtuxet Ranger style.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Morning visitor
It's fine if you want to chill for a while, but no nesting in the boom. And the minute your diet includes little fishies, you're outta here.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Transit completed ahead of schedule... let the season begin!
Jim and I got the sails on in record time, with only one clevis pin overboard (of course I had a spare) and no torn sails. We realized we had plenty of time so we went ahead and moved the boat Friday evening. Slept onboard Saturday night. The hot water heater works!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Launch moved up to Friday April 24
Looks like we're good to go for launch tomorrow. Have to make a quick trip down there this evening to get a few things wrapped up. Transit to EYC on Saturday or Sunday.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
26 days to launch
26 days left and work progresses slightly ahead of schedule. Last weekend Nick, Ragi and I got the first of 2 coats of cetol on the teak. This weekend we varnished the doors and the table. Nick sanded down the reefer cover to bare wood and we put on a coat of cetol. We also set up the nav system and tested all of the electronics, reinstalled the laptop (hence the blog), updated software, etc etc. Brought the new gennie onboard, did some general clean-up, cleaned the stancheons, took the dodger to have the awning fitted, brought the cigars and poptarts onboard. Cleaned up the windlass solonoid, replaced the cabin lights with LEDs, replaced 2 of the fixtures, installed the ipod, activated the xm radios.
Monday, January 26, 2009
95 days til launch!
And off to Houston to talk about composting!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
121 days til launch - Mid-Winter Inspection
I dragged Ragi down to the boat this past Sunday (it was 62!) to plug in the battery charger and generally check things out. The boat looked great, and I am amazed to say that after all this rain and snow and melt, there was no evidence of any water in the cabin. Somehow I find that too good to be true, but there it was.
The guy next to me had conveniently run an extension cord to his boat. I, of course, was armed with a three-to-one adapter. I think you know the rest.
We'll be getting the spring work list ready soon, but it really is quite short compared to years past. Given the economy, that's a good thing for me, maybe not so good for KG.
The guy next to me had conveniently run an extension cord to his boat. I, of course, was armed with a three-to-one adapter. I think you know the rest.
We'll be getting the spring work list ready soon, but it really is quite short compared to years past. Given the economy, that's a good thing for me, maybe not so good for KG.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
180 days til boating season begins
Pig sticks secure, boat hooks put away, table and electronics stowed. Boat looks fine. Sigh.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Only 186 days left
Until the 2009 boating season begins. Carmen and I beat the weather Saturday and drove the boat over to Bullock Cove. Easy transit, great dock landing, no issues other than Carmen's foot going through the dock. But that happens to someone each year so it hardly deserves mention.
One more visit to the boat around the first just to put away the pig sticks, boat hooks and dodger. Then off to the yacht club to clean out lockers... Sigh...
One more visit to the boat around the first just to put away the pig sticks, boat hooks and dodger. Then off to the yacht club to clean out lockers... Sigh...
Monday, October 13, 2008
Columbus Day Weekend - Edgewood Homeward Bound
We arrived back at the Club at 8 bells in the forenoon watch. 20 yards off of the north T we decided to stop briefly and calibrate the depth sounder. Having done so we discovered we were hard aground, so we followed the standard Bellerophon Soft Grounding Protocol. We requested the assistance of Theo, Sue and Pablo to begin emptying wine bottles in an attempt to lighten the vessel. Our efforts must have been successful for not less than 2 hours later we were afloat!
Many thanks to our makeshift crew and their able assistance.
Many thanks to our makeshift crew and their able assistance.
Columbus Day Weekend - Monday
We got up relatively early (it being a Monday and all) and left Wickford at 2 bells in the forenoon watch. No wind, so we motored home to Edgewood.
Columbus Day Weekend - Sunday
We met Bill, Donna and Gabe in Wickford and surprised Bill with a fabulous birthday cake. Unfortunately we lit so may candles that it was mistaken for a distress signal. (Just kidding, Bill!) Ragi and Patrick made their way by land yacht from Providence, and we cooked a generous batch of steak tips for dinner.
Unfortunately 2 glasses of wine, a sliver of walnut and an emergency dose of benadryl took Ragi down for the count.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Wickford
We wired for extra provisions. Apparently both of our bottles of vodka were leaking and there's nothing left this morning.
Coincidentially, we had an early night last night. We both conked out at 8 bells. Must be that sea air.
Slept in this morning and got under way at around 1 bell in the forenoon watch. We made a valiant attempt to catch a breeze but were thwarted by the sea gods. We motored to Wickford and arrived at 2 bells in the afternoon watch.
We decided to give the wickford diner another try since neither of us felt much like breakfast this morning.
Coincidentially, we had an early night last night. We both conked out at 8 bells. Must be that sea air.
Slept in this morning and got under way at around 1 bell in the forenoon watch. We made a valiant attempt to catch a breeze but were thwarted by the sea gods. We motored to Wickford and arrived at 2 bells in the afternoon watch.
We decided to give the wickford diner another try since neither of us felt much like breakfast this morning.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
5 bells in the 2nd dog
Saturday, 2 bells in the first dog
Shannon, Dave and Mulligan came over for a little refreshment.
Columbus Day Weekend - Saturday
After a relatively tame Friday night at Edgewood, we set sail Saturday at 3 bells in the forenoon watch. The northerly died before Bullocks so we turned on the iron gennie and motored to PC.Saturday, October 4th - dog watch
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Saturday, October 4th
Tugboat Scotty joined the boat last night at Edgewood, and we left this morning at 4 bells for Potter in a nice westerly. We set the jib and settled in for a nice leisurely sail. Arrived at 8 bells, picked up Nick and Dave's mooring in the inner cove, and waited for the Commodore to arrive. Our new portable propane heater is working like a champ, and so is the carbon monoxide detector. Cabin temp about 70 degrees and climbing.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Scott and Jill Weekend - Sept 20
Ya gotta know that's just gonna make one hell of a mess on deck.
Scott and Jill Weekend - Sept 20
Left EYC at 5 bells in the forenoon watch. An uneventful motor down to Wickford followed by a hat-overboard drill in Wickford Harbor. Arrived at 3 bells in the afternoon watch. Met Hunky Dory and Duchess at Wickford Marina.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Labor Day Weekend - Monday
While Pablo slept, a group of masked men and women swung his boat around so it was stern to the dock instead of bow to. Shown here are Sue Toland and Dave Saunders, their photos carefully edited to hide their identities.
Hey! Who moved my dock?
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Labor Day Weekend - Saturday
Gabe has forgotten the first law of sailing... never forget your meds. In consequence he's been banished to the foredeck to fish for his own dinner.
Labor Day Weekend - Saturday
Down East joined us at around 6 bells in the afternoon watch, and we settled in for an afternoon of companionship and frolic in the Kicky.Labor Day Weekend - Saturday
We set sail under motor power from Edgewood at about 5 bells in the forenoon watch. Light rain and drizzle. We ended up motoring the whole way to the Kickamuit, arriving at around 4 bells in the afternoon watch.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Wells & Marguerite - Day 2 &tc
Wells & Marguerite - Day 2
Fogland Point. This may be the world's ugliest powerboat.
Wells & Marguerite - Day 1
We left Edgewood for PC at about 4 bells in the first dog watch, arrived just before 8 bells in the second dog. Much merriment ensued.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
gabe and carmin kicky
Slow motor from EYC to the Kicky, arrived 2 bells in the afternoon watch. Worked a little DX on the radio. Gabe went for a sail.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Club Cruise - Day 9
Left Wickford at around 11, home by 2. Winds sw 15 gusting to 20. Quick ride. Threw out tons and tons of food. Gabe cleaned the deck (thank goodness) and we slept on the boat one more day to ease our transition back to life on land.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Club Cruise Day 8 - WIckford
Club Cruise - Day 7
Layover day in Mystic.Club Cruise Day 6 - Mystic Seaport
After a grueling 45 minutes at sea, we motored up the Mystic River creating a graceful logger jam of yachts between the bridges. Finally the bridge opened and we descended (quite literally) upon Mystic Seaport en mass. (note to self -- leave an hour before the rest of the fleet next time).
I'm not sure how I feel about being referred to as "wildlife" but I certainly understand the sentiment.
Club Cruise Day 7, Mystic
Put them in the scupper with the hose pipe on them!
Put 'em in the cabin with the captain's daugher!
Put 'em in the longboat 'til their sober!
Pu 'em in the bilge and make 'em drink it!
Take 'em and shake 'em and try an' wake 'em!
Shave their bellies with a rusty razor!
And so on, and so forth
Cruise Day 5 - Fishers Island
Gee, Brad, perhaps we could tighten up that bow and stern line just a bit?Quite the storm blew in overnight, but fortunately today is a layover day and we don't have to go anywhere except to the lobster cookout this evening! After nearly immolating ourselves yesterday evening on the grill ashore, everyone promises to let the coals cool down a bit this time. Andrew was a real trooper, portaging the 48 ears of corn on his back from the grocery store to the yacht club. The folks at the YC were wonderful, as they always are. We cleaned the island out of panini, ice cream and everything but girly beer.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Club Cruise Day 4 - Fishers Island
Commodore, what do you think? Is that cruise flag upside down? I think that cruise flag is upside down. Nancy? Is that cruise flag upside down? Yes, it's definitely upside down. Will someone tell him that flag is upside down?
Monday, August 04, 2008
Club Cruise Day 3
Cap'n Kerry arrived yesterday evening by train from New York. Met the crew of Down East, who arrived by land yacht. Had drinks, drinks, drinks and then dinner and drinks at the Skipper's Dock restaurant. Ran into the crew of Voyager in the waiting area at the restaurant. Got up early this morning and found a breakfast place, then met my parents for lunch and a nice stroll through town. Spoke Lark at 8 bells in the afternoon watch, they ducked into Pt Judith Harbor of Refuge to avoid the wind and seas. We do not expect to see them this evening.
Club Cruise Day 2
Left Dutch at about 3 bells in the forenoon watch, motored to Pt Judith and then picked up the south westerly. Blowing pretty good, right on the nose most of the way to Watch Hill Passage. A couple of long, hard tacks out toward Block and Montauk, then back into shore. Finally arrived worn and tired at the end of the first dog. Here's Ragi on a tack offshore toward Block.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Club Cruise Day 1
A nasty storm on its way to Dutch. Winds >40kts for about 30 min. Bellerophon and Gryphon snug as a bug rafted.
Down East reports continued engine trouble. We're hopeful they make it to Stonington.
Club Cruise Day 1
Left PC at 8 bells in the morning watch, motored to Dutch in calm seas, arrived at 6 bells in the forenoon watch. Good news- we were well received by Dutch Harbor, who had a mooring assignment for us! The Commodore arrived at about 6 bells in the afternoon watch and (lacking a reservation) rafted. Met the incoming NYYC club cruise. Hailed the crew of Mars, one Steve Wolf, who came on board for drinks... and drinks...
Friday, August 01, 2008
Club Cruise T+6 hrs
Left ontime at 2 bells in the afternoon watch. Arrived PC 8 bells. Checked in with Down East at 2 bells in the first dog -- they report engine trouble and have stopped to bypass the water heater. We are proceeding with dinner in hopes that they will join us later this evening.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
NECTA - Saturday Evening
What is "keel haul"?? We do not have this in Jyväskylä.
NECTA - Saturday Evening
NECTA - Saturday
NECTA - Saturday
NECTA - Saturday
Yes, it's the crew of Down East, arriving for an afternoon of frolic at Potter Cove.
NECTA - Saturday
We picked up Sam along with some provisions at Dutch Harbor, and set sail for Prudence Island. You';ll never guess who we met up with there!
Sam suffered from a brief bout of mal de mer, so Glenn thought it would be best if he was confined to his cabin for the rest of the voyage. We fed him through the port hole.
Friday, July 18, 2008
NECTA Friday Evening
Apparently this vessel is sailing without its owner onboard, and therefore has urgent need of a pilot... either that or they're trying to report an aircraft position.NECTA - Friday Afternoon
Crew (Glenn) arrived via Providence gerry at 1 bell in the afternoon watch. Left Newport YC at 2 bells with some use of spring lines. Set sail off Goat Island for the Newport Bridge and the norther tip of Jamestown, then south to Dutch Harbor. Met these scalawags, comprised mainly of marketing, sales and call center folk, along the way.
Dutch Harbor was a disappointment. Despite being told on the phone that we had a mooring for the evening they were "full up" when we arrived. They seem badly disorganized. When we asked if they provided launch service to the anchorage they answered "I'm sure something can be arranged," which is precisely what we thought we had done for a mooring that morning. We'll see what happens, but I am not at all surprised that they are in financial difficulty. I have absolutely no confidence in their ability to deal with the club cruise.
It appears as though the Bristol YC fleet is also at Dutch, and I am sure they were equally surprised to be told to enjoy the anchorage instead of the mooring field. None the less they have arrived in style and if we can find the Commodore we will salute him in proper EYC fashion.
NECTA - Friday
A successful pump-out! I asked the guy on the pump-out boat about the problems I have sometimes. He said that some pump-out boats are badly under-powered. His pump does 22 gallons per minute, others do as little as 10. He said it's not uncommon for the weaker pumps to not be able to suck everything out. It also appears as though my vent is just fine -- perhaps all my machinations resolved the issue.
Minor repair to access panel at water tank... clamped and glued, sanded a bit to make it fit better.
Minor repair to access panel at water tank... clamped and glued, sanded a bit to make it fit better.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Yachtie Wanna-Be
NECTA trip Wednesday
Discovered a problem with the nav system related to some recent work. Turned out that the power connector on the ethernet hub had been pulled out. Minor damage, but quickly repairable under way.
Also discovered that the head was not pumping sea water in. After some investigation I isolated the issue to the toilet bowl itself. After removing and disassembling the toilet bowl, I realized that the issue was clogged vents on the inside of the bowl -- looked like salt build up over time. Some work with a pick and a mirror and everything is back to normal.
Also discovered that the head was not pumping sea water in. After some investigation I isolated the issue to the toilet bowl itself. After removing and disassembling the toilet bowl, I realized that the issue was clogged vents on the inside of the bowl -- looked like salt build up over time. Some work with a pick and a mirror and everything is back to normal.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
NECTA - Tuesday
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Boy and dog
Saturday, July 05, 2008
4th of July Weekend - Saturday
4th of July Weekend - Friday
Susan at the helm as we sail toward Potter Cove. Winds NE10-15, arrived PC 12:30. Waited for Down East. And waited. And waited.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday - Third Beach
5 bells in the afternoon watch
Both the scuppers and the head have emerged intact. (Fortunately the head had been pumped before we left...)
Steve is still prone and unable to sit upright but his pulse appears to be only slightly elevated and he is responding to a sense of humor. Our onboard medical professional (retired) is rendering basic medical assistance and we have hopes of a full recovery -- though perhaps a light dinner.
Monday - Jamestown to 3rd Beach
On the way out of the mooring field, Bruce suggested that we go out around Breton Reef to 3rd beach instead of sailing up the back to the Kickamuit. Brad, looking for an opportunity to test Steve for sea sickness, agreed.
Test results positive.
Test results positive.
Sunday - Jamestown
Quite the sail to Jamestown fighting the current and a brisk southwesterly. We short-tacked down the east passage on just the staysail, main and mizzen. When Steve woke up from his nap, we let out the jib -- probably a mistake. Most famous quote from the passage...
"We're going over..." - Bruce
It's OK, Bruce, that's what the cockpit drains are for. None the less, despite four -- yes, four -- warnings from Steve about losing the ear muffs overboard, I ignored him and over they went.
We had a great meal in Jamestown at Tricia's, including the Bermuda Triangles and a trio of Huma Humas. (Brad drank the trio... there was no sharing.) We settled in for a nice, though slightly rocky, night on the mooring.
"We're going over..." - Bruce
It's OK, Bruce, that's what the cockpit drains are for. None the less, despite four -- yes, four -- warnings from Steve about losing the ear muffs overboard, I ignored him and over they went.
We had a great meal in Jamestown at Tricia's, including the Bermuda Triangles and a trio of Huma Humas. (Brad drank the trio... there was no sharing.) We settled in for a nice, though slightly rocky, night on the mooring.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sunday - The Day After
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Official NB1RI photo
The NB1RI crew - Steve, KA1RCI (center rear), Bruce, KD1BE (right), Ernie, N1SW (left) and Brad, KA1SVW (front)
Friday, June 27, 2008
Field Day Excursion, Day 1
Provisioned on Friday morning. Filled the reefer and the wine rack, ready to set sail.Left EYC 5 bells in the afternoon watch, headed to Potter Cove. Arrived 2 bells in the first dog watch.
Spoke the Coast Guard Cutter Thunder Bay, warned them of impending colors.
Steve brandishes a steak tip.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Field Day Excursion - T-54 hrs
Bruce and I spent yesterday rebedding the port side main chain plates in hopes of sealing a leak that allows water into the boat behind the galley when we put the port rail in the water. Fortunately that doesn't happen very often, but when it does, we would like a dry boat. We had just managed to get two of the shrouds and their corresponding deck plates unstuck and exposed when a nasty squall appeared in the northwest. We hurredly recaulked the deck plates and stuck them back down before retreating to the cabin for 20 minutes. After the rain passed, we continued our work on the third chain plate.
While Bruce was replacing the last of the cotter pins, I happened to notice the old pressurized water inlet. It was originally used to feed shore water under pressure to a second set of faucets in the boat, but those have long since been removed. The inlet is essentially a deck fitting in the port side bulwark. When I removed the screws that held it on, I discovered -- much to my surprise -- a big hole where the pipe went into the deck and NO CAULK! I believe that may have been the cause of the leak. I sealed it all back up and stuck it back on tight. Time will tell.
While Bruce was replacing the last of the cotter pins, I happened to notice the old pressurized water inlet. It was originally used to feed shore water under pressure to a second set of faucets in the boat, but those have long since been removed. The inlet is essentially a deck fitting in the port side bulwark. When I removed the screws that held it on, I discovered -- much to my surprise -- a big hole where the pipe went into the deck and NO CAULK! I believe that may have been the cause of the leak. I sealed it all back up and stuck it back on tight. Time will tell.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Sunday
Left Jamestown around 1030 in a nice southerly. The southerly built through the afternoon as the skies to the west began to darken. Fortunately we have plenty of technology on board and we were able to track the progress of the storm all the way until we ran into it at Conimicut. The storm moved fairly quickly but we did have about 15 minutes of rain and high winds. For about 5 minutes visibility dropped dramatically, but it soon came back. We arrived at Edgewood under sunny skies at around 2.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Saturday - 6 bells in the afternnoon watch
What shall we do with a drunken sailor,What shall we do with a drunken sailor,
What shall we do with a drunken sailor,
Early in the morning?
Take 'er and shake 'er and try an' wake 'er,
Take 'er and shake 'er and try an' wake 'er,
Take 'er and shake 'er and try an' wake 'er,
Early in the morning!
Saturday - Jamestown Homeward Bound
Awoke to a gorgeous day with a light SW, 5kts or so. Waited until 6 bells in the forenoon watch and set sail for Conanicut. Put the rail in the water quite a few times. Scuppers awash - lost the ammo box (full, of course) over the side. Decided not to turn back for it.
Jen got some time at the helm, and then retired below.
The ammo box was lost overboard with 30 rounds in a tragic marine accident. A replacement has been procured and secured to the lifeline.
We arrived in Jamestown at 5 bells in the afternoon watch. Tom had the help for a flawless mooring pickup.
Friday, 1st dog
Left Edgewood at 6 bells in the 2nd dog for PC. Decided to try to outrun the large green blobs coming in from CT. Made it to PC by 1 bell in the first watch, escaping all the rain.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Sunday morning
We awoke at 8 bells in the morning watch to a gentle rain. A quick check of weather radar suggests that this storm may blow through in a few hours and give us a nice easy sail home, albeit in a northerly. We made coffee, set up the gennie, and are sitting still waiting for the storm to pass.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Friday - Saturday
Sailing with Phil and Carmen. Left EYC 6 bells in the afternoon watch for PC, arrived in the 2nd dog. Picked up Nick's mooring (PC40). Great steaks for dinner, over-served ourselves. Winds SW5-10.
Set sail at 6 bells in the forenoon watch for Jamestown. Arrived 2 bells in the afternoon watch. Went ashore for Bermuda Triangles and Huma-Humas. Spent the afternoon in gentle contemplation.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Saturday - Kickamuit
We set sail from Potter at around 2 bells in the forenoon watch and arrived at the Kicky around 8 bells. We settled into a three martini lunch (or rather, a 3 martini stuffie) and secure the boat. The rest of the fleet dribbled in over the course of the afternoon, with the Commmodore arriving in his new boat at around 4 bells in the first dog. He received the customary 7-gun salute.
Above, the captain barks orders at his crew.
Right, the Commodore and Mrs Commodore betray their exhuberance, having just completed the maiden voyage of their new vessel, Macushla
Friday, June 06, 2008
Friday - under way
We set sail from Edgewood at about 6 bells in the afternoon watch under cloudy skies and SW10-15, with just jib and jigger. We quickly set both foresails but left the main down. The winds picked up a bit south of Conimicut, but it was quite manageable. We arrived at PC at around 4 bells in the first dog.
Weekend plan
Typical New England weather -- high today in the low 60s, tomorrow in the low 90s. The boat is stocked and Bruce and I are headed out shortly. Just a quick water top-off and a head pump-out and we'll set sail for the promised land -- or Prudence Isl, which ever comes first. Then it's off to the Kicky tomorrow to join the Fleet. But first a quick trip to the liquor store.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Weekend update
Dave and Janait joined us Fri evening. I crashed early after dinner
Fri, but my crew were accosted by the Darby Room gang and made to accept
many free drinks.
Fri, but my crew were accosted by the Darby Room gang and made to accept
many free drinks.
The weather forecast for Sat kept us at the dock, which in retrospect
was unfortunate because the nasty stuff missed us and we would have been
perfectly safe. It turned out to be a day of lounging on the boat with
no fixed plan. Saturday night included an impromptu cookout on the
porch and another early night with ebook in hand.
Sunday turned into a project day. I decided to tackle the alternator
adjusting arm, which needed to be lengthened to accomodate a larger
belt. The belt that was on there was under-sized and has been a problem
for a few years.
What seemed like a quick chore became a nightmare when the bolt that
held the alternator adjustment, leaving a 1/4" of bolt extruding from
the engine block. Fortunately my friend Bruce and his mini machine shop
were only a phone call away. After 2 trips to Bruce's house, one to
Rocky's and one to an auto parts store, plus 6 hours or so of labor,
Bruce managed to get the old bolt out intact and the new arm and belt
put on. Our initial testing looks very promising.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Sunday, 3 bells in the first dog
We arrived in PC at the beginning of the first dog, after a great sail up from Jamestown. Earlier this morning Carol & Jim's friends Jack and Ann joined us for breakfast.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
4 bells in the afternoon watch
Somehow between the boat and the tiki bar the sun went in, the wind kicked up, and it got quite chilly! None the less, lunch was excellent -- Tricia's Tropi-Grille did us right. We settled on the Bermuda Triangles as an appetizer -- basically nachos with cheese, salsa and banana peppers. The peppers make the snack. Jim had the Cuban sandwich, I had the Buffett Burger (as in Jimmy). I decided against anything with an umbrella and settled for iced tea.
Back onboard, winds out of the south at 10, temperature has dropped about 10 degrees. Jim is resting until the sun returns. I'm contemplating an afternoon cigar in long pants and a sweater.
Spoke to Jack and Anne Dempsey, they will be joining us afloat tomorrow morning.
Arrived Jamestown
Winds 5kts. Headed for a tiki lunch and perhaps something with an umbrella.
2 bells in the forenoon watch
Set sail for Jamestown east passage. Winds 15-20 N-NW. Brisk.
Saturday 8 bells cont
Fired the morning gun, much to the pleasure of neighbors ashore and afloat.
Saturday, 8 bells in the morning watch
Another gorgeous day on Prudence. Winds NNW 5-10. We'll be setting sail for Jamestown in a little while, as soon as the cobwebs of last evening's revelry are swept away by the caffeine coursing through my system.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Child proof caps
Apparently Bombay Saphire now comes with a child-proof cap. Vise grips were required but in the end the children prevailed.
Fri, afternoon watch, 8 bells
Arrived PC. Found Nick's mooring but it was occuppied. Found Bob's mooring... It was not! Winds N 10-15. Cove almost empty.
Friday 6 bells in the afternoon watch
Off Providence Pt, headed south, eta Potter 330. Wind NW 10-15.
Friday 2 bells in the afternoon watch
Winds NNW 10-15 kts gusting to 20 kts.
A gorgeous day
Bright and sunny, cool and dry, with a brisk westerly portents a beautiful sail. We'll be borrowing Sea Hawk's mooring if I can remember the number.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Stocked, locked and loaded
I got lucky at Haxtons and scored a case of Cakebread! Straight to the boat with that!
Jim and I did a stocking run today in preparation for this weekend's cruise. Steaks, pasta, chicken, sausage, eggs and lots of munchies. Not to mention poptarts, the modern sailor's hard tack. And do I need to mention a case of water?
Jim and I did a stocking run today in preparation for this weekend's cruise. Steaks, pasta, chicken, sausage, eggs and lots of munchies. Not to mention poptarts, the modern sailor's hard tack. And do I need to mention a case of water?
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Opening Day
Opening day started dark and stormy but the sun emerged from its grey blanket arounf 11, and by 1 the wind had settled down to 15 kts or so. The Parade of Yachts went off with usual elegance and style amidst much gunnery.
We ended the day over-serving ourselves and our companions, finally moving en masse to the irish pub in the village.
I was surprisingly vertical this morning. Gabe and I did a few chores on board and then headed home.
We ended the day over-serving ourselves and our companions, finally moving en masse to the irish pub in the village.
I was surprisingly vertical this morning. Gabe and I did a few chores on board and then headed home.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Bilge pump rebuild successful
After a couple hours work Wednesday evening, I am happy to report that the manual bilge pump is back in working order – probably for the first time since I bought the boat. Thanks to Bruce for his extensive help in the rebuild and re-installation!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Hatch Update and More
This past weekend was my 25th Moses Brown reunion. On Friday a couple of classmates and I made it down to the boat in the pouring rain to reminisce about days of yore. I'm pleased to report that the boat was bone dry, from the owner's cabin to the butterfly hatch. I suspect there may still be something funky on the starboard side behind the lockers, but everything seemed dry!
Today, after recovering from 36 hours of reunion, I made my way back down to the boat to tackle the manual bilge pump. I managed to get the coaming box out to reveal the pump behind it. (Good thing I did such a good job of sealing the coaming box when I put it in!) I managed to find an access port on the top of the pump and removed it to reveal a cracked diaphragm within. I made the fateful decision that the entire pump must come out, so I spent the next hour and a half removing hoses, bolts and asundries, and gently extracting the pump through the lazarette. Once I got it all outside I identified the model -- a Henderson Mark V. Then I realized a most peculiar thing... apparently the Henderson pumps can be joined together in pairs with a single handle. This one (or should I say this pair) has two inflows that are piped together, and the same with the outflow. My guess is that this doubles the capacity of the pump. In any case, I got the two separated and discovered that both diaphragms were torn. I found a rebuild kit on Defender and ordered two of them. With any lick they should be in Tuesday and I can reassemble the ensemble (!) Wednesday afternoon.
The outboard hose should really be replaced, but I'm afraid that's a project for someone smaller when the boat is out of the water. I think it's still usable, just worn.
In other news, I filled the fresh water tank, put the handle back on the water tank access hatch, tossed out some 4-year-old granola and took an inventory of food onboard. Looks like the poptarts survived another winter!
Today, after recovering from 36 hours of reunion, I made my way back down to the boat to tackle the manual bilge pump. I managed to get the coaming box out to reveal the pump behind it. (Good thing I did such a good job of sealing the coaming box when I put it in!) I managed to find an access port on the top of the pump and removed it to reveal a cracked diaphragm within. I made the fateful decision that the entire pump must come out, so I spent the next hour and a half removing hoses, bolts and asundries, and gently extracting the pump through the lazarette. Once I got it all outside I identified the model -- a Henderson Mark V. Then I realized a most peculiar thing... apparently the Henderson pumps can be joined together in pairs with a single handle. This one (or should I say this pair) has two inflows that are piped together, and the same with the outflow. My guess is that this doubles the capacity of the pump. In any case, I got the two separated and discovered that both diaphragms were torn. I found a rebuild kit on Defender and ordered two of them. With any lick they should be in Tuesday and I can reassemble the ensemble (!) Wednesday afternoon.
The outboard hose should really be replaced, but I'm afraid that's a project for someone smaller when the boat is out of the water. I think it's still usable, just worn.
In other news, I filled the fresh water tank, put the handle back on the water tank access hatch, tossed out some 4-year-old granola and took an inventory of food onboard. Looks like the poptarts survived another winter!
Friday, May 09, 2008
In a blind flash of insight I realized that if I cut weep holes in the window frames of the butterlfly, water might weep out instead of collecting and weeping down into the cabin. I carefully cut such holes (or actually channels) with my trusty saw, and recaulked everything. It's raining today, so we'll see on Sunday whether or not my fix has worked.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Spring Check-out
Lousy weather sometimes makes for better boat projects. When I got down to the boat it was quite evident where the leak in my cabin originates. It looks very much like it is the forward mizzen shroud chainplate on the larboard side. I used some of that Captain Tolley's on it and instantly discovered that it disappeared down into the boat. So I got my putty knife out, and I scraped the seal away, loosened the turnbuckle and removed the shroud. Then I used the putty knife to lift the corner of the deck plate and cut through all the goo under there. A little pressure with a screw driver and the whole thing came up like a champ. Underneath was a sizeable and not particularly clean hole where the chain plate itself went through the deck. So I got out the ol' West Marine Silicone Caulk, laid down some goo, and screwed the whole thing back down to the deck. I left the shroud unattached to give the caulk a chance to cure before I put pressure on the seal. I'm also happy to report that the sealing work I did on the gate stancheons on the port side seem to have stopped the leak just aft of the port hanging locker. Those two leaks have been bugging me for a long time but I think I may have conquered them at long last. Only time and decks awash will tell.
I also did some work on the butterfly hatch, which is probably in need of recauking. We'll see what it looks like the next time it rains. Putting the cover on will probably help quite a bit too :)
The wine locker is partially loaded (pun intended). We were a little low on vodka and gin, though there was still plenty of Goslings' on board (and now there's even more). And of course the water situation was dire. I picked up some bottled water for drinking and ice cubes, and I did an initial flush of the water tank. Oh, and I rinsed and refilled the ice cube trays.
I did some systems testing too. I tuned up the HF rig, checked the radar unit, verified that all the navigation lights still work (always a pleasant surprise), checked the anchor light (I couldnt quite see teh anchor light, but something was drawing a half-amp!), and tested the new deck washdown system. I'm very pleased to report (smugly) that everything works as it should.
I did notice that the fan on the D700 was making an awful lot of noise but it seemed to quiet down. Maybe it just got a bit stuck over the winter.
I also did some work on the butterfly hatch, which is probably in need of recauking. We'll see what it looks like the next time it rains. Putting the cover on will probably help quite a bit too :)
The wine locker is partially loaded (pun intended). We were a little low on vodka and gin, though there was still plenty of Goslings' on board (and now there's even more). And of course the water situation was dire. I picked up some bottled water for drinking and ice cubes, and I did an initial flush of the water tank. Oh, and I rinsed and refilled the ice cube trays.
I did some systems testing too. I tuned up the HF rig, checked the radar unit, verified that all the navigation lights still work (always a pleasant surprise), checked the anchor light (I couldnt quite see teh anchor light, but something was drawing a half-amp!), and tested the new deck washdown system. I'm very pleased to report (smugly) that everything works as it should.
I did notice that the fan on the D700 was making an awful lot of noise but it seemed to quiet down. Maybe it just got a bit stuck over the winter.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Launch Day!
T minus 9 days until our originally scheduled launch and we appear to be way ahead of schedule. After a surprise "we're ready to go" email from the yard, I spent the weekend supervising my junior varnish crew. Three coats on the bowsprit, rub rails and hatch. 4 coats on the cockpit. Everything else appears in good shape also. And the sole -- it looks awesome. If all goes well, we should leave for Edgewood on Saturday morning.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Spring is here!
Last week ushered in the first day of spring, the days are getting longe, and boat projects are under way! Right now the yard is working on the new cabin sole. They've removed a lot of the furnishings (table, nav chair, cabin doors) and are replacing those parts of the subfloor that were a little gushy. They're glassing in the new floor, sealing it against water damage.
The interior is quite a mess at the moment, but we'll start working on the varnish as soon as this wekeend, weather permitting!
Meanwhile, I've replaced the nav console at the helm, the one whose screen got so horribly scratched by whatever I shouldn't have cleaned it with. It looks brand new, and is just waiting to be reinstalled. The wind instruments are here. KG and Company will install them before the boat launches.
So far we're still on track for a launch date on or about May 1st!
The interior is quite a mess at the moment, but we'll start working on the varnish as soon as this wekeend, weather permitting!
Meanwhile, I've replaced the nav console at the helm, the one whose screen got so horribly scratched by whatever I shouldn't have cleaned it with. It looks brand new, and is just waiting to be reinstalled. The wind instruments are here. KG and Company will install them before the boat launches.
So far we're still on track for a launch date on or about May 1st!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
08 season work begins
The 08 pre-season began on schedule in mid-January with a flurry of work at the yard. We (and by "we" I mean KG, JFK, and my checkbook) pulled the transmission and discovered that the issue was a broken linkage between the tranny and the engine. The transmission itself is fine. That all got replaced, and while they were back there, I had them replace the heat exchanger. It hadn't failed, but it is a part that is subject to corrosion, and who knows how old it was.
We then moved on to the deck washdown system. The yard removed the through hull that used to be connected to the overboard discharge system. It had long ago been sealed and frozen shut. It's removal precipitated some glass work to fill the rather large hole left behind. A new washdown pump was installed and wired back to the main panel, and a spigot and hose were installed in the port bow locker.
On tap next is replacing the sole with plasteak, a composite made from recycled plastics. We're also going to rebed a bunch of stancheons in an effort to get rid of that last leak in the cabin.
We then moved on to the deck washdown system. The yard removed the through hull that used to be connected to the overboard discharge system. It had long ago been sealed and frozen shut. It's removal precipitated some glass work to fill the rather large hole left behind. A new washdown pump was installed and wired back to the main panel, and a spigot and hose were installed in the port bow locker.
On tap next is replacing the sole with plasteak, a composite made from recycled plastics. We're also going to rebed a bunch of stancheons in an effort to get rid of that last leak in the cabin.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Steve and Bruce, Sunday, 5 bells in the afternoon watch
We set sail after breakfast and headed back to Edgewood on a dying northerly. We ended up motoring from Ohio Ledge back to the Club. We rendered passing honors to Down East off the milk can.
Steve and Bruce, Sunday, 2 bells in the forenoon watch
We arose to a cool, crisp day with a gentle northerly, 5-10kts. The forecast calls for it to switch to SE late, so we may just wait out the breeze and see what happens. Ambient temperature in the cabin this morning was 61. Realized that the battery switch had been on both batteries, so we set up the gennie and ran it for a while to charge the batteries. Bruce made sausage and eggs on the grill.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Steve and Bruce, Saturday, 5 bells in the forenoon watch
Steve suggested that we locate and mark PC40 before setting sail for the Kicky, so at 5 bells in the forenoon watch watch we raised anchor and surveyed the inner cove. Steve's suggestion turned out to be quite fortuitous. We raised the sails and headed for Hog Island Shoals. About a half-mile off of Popasquash Pt a squall came through with gusts estimated at 35-40kts and heavy chop out of the northwest. We dropped the sails, turned tail, and headed back for Potter Cove. This time instead of anchoring we picked up Sea Hawk's mooring and settled in for an early cocktail hour.
Steve and Bruce, Saturday, 8 bells in the morning watch
Saturday, 8 bells in the morning watchWe set sail yesterday at about 8 bells in the afternoon watch, arrived at PC around 2 bells in the 2nd dog. We had a great meal, drank lots, and went to bed before the rain began.
We awoke at 8 bells in the morning watch to rain and calm winds.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Sept 9th Masthead Repairs
The trick to the bo's'un's chair is finding someone who is both light and agile and not afraid of heights. Fortunately the Yupik have always been a seafaring people. Compact in stature and naturally fearless (they hunt polar bears after all), Vern was just the man for the job.
Good as new!
